Health Encyclopedia

Angiodysplasia of the colon

Definition

Angiodysplasia of the colon is swollen, fragile blood vessels in the colon. These can result in bleeding and blood loss from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Alternative Names

Vascular ectasia of the colon; Colonic arteriovenous malformation; Hemorrhage - angiodysplasia; Bleed - angiodysplasia; Gastrointestinal bleeding - angiodysplasia; G.I. bleed - angiodysplasia

Causes

Angiodysplasia of the colon is mostly related to the aging and breakdown of the blood vessels. It is more common in older adults. It is almost always seen on the right side of the colon.

Most likely, the problem develops out of normal spasms of the colon that cause the blood vessels in the area to enlarge. When this swelling becomes severe, a tiny passageway develops between a small artery and vein. This is called an arteriovenous malformation. Bleeding can occur from this area in the colon wall.

Rarely, angiodysplasia of the colon is related to other diseases of the blood vessels. One of these is Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome. The condition is not related to cancer. It is also different than diverticulosis, which is a more common cause of intestinal bleeding in older adults.

Symptoms

The symptoms vary.

Older people may have symptoms such as:

Weakness
Fatigue
Shortness of breath due to anemia

They may not have noticeable bleeding directly from the colon.

Other people may have bouts of mild or severe bleeding in which bright red or black blood comes from the rectum.

There is no pain associated with angiodysplasia.

Exams and Tests

Tests that may be done to diagnose this condition include:

Angiography (only useful if there is active bleeding into the colon)
Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia
Colonoscopy
Stool test for occult (hidden) blood (a positive test result suggests bleeding from the colon)

Treatment

It is important to find the cause of bleeding in the colon and how fast the blood is being lost. You may need to be admitted to a hospital. Fluids may be given through a vein, and blood products may be required.

Other treatment may be needed once the source of bleeding is found. In most cases, the bleeding stops on its own without treatment.

If treatment is needed, it may involve:

Angiography to help block the blood vessel that is bleeding or to deliver medicine to help cause the blood vessels to tighten to stop the bleeding
Burning (cauterizing) the site of the bleed with heat or a laser using a colonoscope

In some cases, surgery is the only option. You may need the entire right side of the colon (right hemicolectomy) removed if heavy bleeding continues, even after other treatments have been tried. Medicines (thalidomide and estrogens) may be used to help control the disease in some people.

Outlook (Prognosis)

People who have bleeding related to this condition despite having had colonoscopy, angiography, or surgery are likely to have more bleeding in the future.

The outlook remains good if the bleeding is controlled.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

Anemia
Death from excessive blood loss
Side effects from treatment
Severe loss of blood from the GI tract

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health provider if rectal bleeding occurs.

Prevention

There is no known prevention.

References

Kwah J, Brandt LJ. Vascular lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 38.

Ibanez MB, Munoz-Navas M. Occult and unexplained chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. In: Chandrasekhara V, Elmunzer J, Khashab MA, Muthusamy VR, eds. Clinical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 18.

Review Date:10/25/2021
Reviewed By:Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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